Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Do you think having a massage is just about relaxation, pampering
or relieving tight muscles? Yes massage is great for inducing a deep
state of relaxation and providing some pampering 'me' time. And you know
it is excellent for relieving tight, sore or cramped muscles and the
associated pain that goes with it. But there are many other benefits and
reasons for having a massage than you may not be aware of.

Because
massage affects us on a mind, body and spirit level, it can release a
cascade of beneficial effects on a physiological, chemical, emotional
and mental level.

Here are 10 important massage benefits that you may not know about.

Easing pain medication dependence.

Due to the easing of sore and painful muscles and freeing up of joints, less medication may be required to keep you comfortable.

Enhancing immunity.

The Lymphatic System is part of our body's natural
defense system and massage stimulates the efficient flow of lymph
therefore enhancing our natural immunity.

Improving the condition of the body's largest organ-the skin.

Massage increases circulation to the skin cells, bringing
more oxygen and nutrients and oils used can also feed and moisturize
the skin.

Lessen depression and anxiety.

As a result of the sedating effect of massage the nerves
are calmed and many of us are able to step back from our worried or
anxious mind for a while and gain a more positive perspective.

Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue.

Scar tissue can be broken down thereby reducing restrictions and unsightly scars.

Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.

Internal adhesions can be freed and pooling of excess tissue fluids can be reduced by stimulating drainage.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

For healthy and fresh skin free of impurities, treat yourself to this deep cleaning facial treatment to restore your skin's glow. Your face will light up with a new splendor. It will be light, radiant, and brighter. This treatment is carefully tailored to each skin type. This facial includes cleansing, exfoliating, facial massage, a detoxifying clay mask, toner, and a defend and restore moisture cream.

60 minutes - $85

Call 36 Oaks Country Retreat to make an appointment to try this facial and any other of our relaxing spa treatments.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy technique wherein the
inner muscle layers and the connective tissues are re-aligned. This type
of therapy is highly beneficial for the contracted tissue muscles
around the neck, lower back and shoulders. It heals stiff neck and lower
back rigidity.

The massage strokes that are applied by the deep
tissue massage therapists are similar to the traditional massage
therapy. The only difference lies in the hand movement which is slower
while the intensity of pressure is focused more on the pain stricken and
tensed muscles. This particular massage therapy helps to break and
eliminate the scar tissues. It concentrates on specific areas where the
slower strokes and the deep direct pressure help in releasing the
chronic muscle tension.

Normally a person suffering from chronic
muscular tension and injury feels the pain emanating from adhesions
which are bands of painful tight muscles and tendons. It is generally
believed that adhesions block circulation, cause pain and inflammation
while it also restricts a person's mobility. Deep tissue massage is
recommended as the therapist physically kneads the adhesions and
alleviates pain while helping to restore normal movement. To reach this
objective, the deep tissue massage therapists often apply intense
pressure or friction across the grain of the muscle. At times during the
course of the massage, people may feel pain and associated discomfort.
It is advisable in such cases to inform the massage therapist about the
pain and soreness if it is beyond the comfort range.

Although
slight stiffness or pain can be experienced after the deep tissue
massage, the discomfort level normally subsides within a day or so.
Often the massage therapist applies ice on the area which has been
massaged. Deep tissue massage is also used for relaxation. The therapy
is beneficial for persons recovering from injuries especially those
which are sports generated, osteoarthritis, muscle spasms and postural
problems. People suffering from osteoarthritis opt for this therapy as
it is highly effective and often they notice remarkable improvement in
their mobility immediately after the massage.

During deep tissue
massage, the therapists use finger tips, knuckles, hand, elbows as well
as the forearms. In the course of massaging, the therapist concentrates
on muscles located below the top muscle layer as this is highly
effective for people suffering from consistent pain. It is advisable to
consume plenty of water once the massage is over to flush out metabolic
waste from the tissues. At the start of deep tissue massage the person
may want to breathe deeply since this action facilitates the process and
relieves the tensed muscles.

Deep tissue massage might not be the
best for certain types of people like heart patients or persons under
the treatment of chemotherapy. Even for osteoporosis patients, prior
consultation with the therapist is advisable. The massage therapist aims
at relieving the pain from deeper tissue structures and the treatment
can be more uncomfortable than the traditional massage.

However,
people have to be realistic when contemplating undergoing this massage
therapy. The deep tissue massage might not bring immediate relief from
pain though many believe that if the therapist kneads hard on the
pressure knots, they would get instant relief. This might not always
happen as removing chronic knots and tension built-up over a lifetime is
best achieved when the patient goes for an integrated program that
includes exercise, improvement of posture, mobility enhancement, other
relaxation techniques as well as regular deep tissue massage therapy.

Such
duel program is really valuable for re-aligning the body. If the deep
tissue massage is executed correctly, their benefits could be
experienced within the next few days. As tensed muscles block oxygen and
nutrients while building up toxin in the muscle tissues, this form of
massage is recommended as it releases the toxin from the muscles as they
are loosened up, thereby enabling the blood and oxygen to circulate
properly.

The primary objective of deep tissue massage is to relax
the muscle fibers and release the deeply held patterns of tension in
order to soothe the tendon. The deep tissue massage therapy is
corrective as well as therapeutic. The deep finger pressure and slow
strokes on the tension ridden spots is a combination of touch,
biomechanics and positioning options. The massage technique makes use of
knuckles, fist, forearms and elbows to help in releasing pressure and
tension from the deeper layers of the body.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Many people think about having a facial, or arrive for a facial
appointment, uncertain of the importance of this service - aside from
its seemingly pampering nature. Truly, though, a facial is not a luxury,
its benefits are far reaching. In order to understand why a facial is
important, let's take a look at its components.

The basic parts of a facial are as follows:

-
Determining Your Skin Type: It's important for you and your
aesthetician to understand your skin type. By knowing this, products and
techniques used can be specifically customized to meet your needs.

-
Deep Cleansing: With the correct product, a gentle, but deep cleaning
is obtained and, depending upon skin type, the correct pressure and
movements can be employed to stimulate or calm. Steam and/or hot towels
are often used to soften and expand the pores.

- Proper
Exfoliation: I say "proper" because you can over-exfoliate. Skin must be
manipulated with awareness so as to not cause unwanted reactions. This
exfoliation may be done manually or chemically with the use of an
electric brush, scrub, enzyme or acid.

- Taking Away: After cleansing and exfoliation, the skin is prepared for extraction - or cleansing of the pores.

-
Giving Back: Now the skin is ready to receive vitamins, hydration and
minerals in the form of serums, lotions, creams and masques applied with
manual techniques or massage appropriate for your particular skin type.

-
Additional Pleasures: During this process, you will often receive a
hand and arm massage, a facial massage and a neck and shoulder massage.

Here's how I like to explain a facial: What is the one part of the body that is exposed most often? Your face.

The
surface of our skin is dotted with tiny pockets called pores. These
pores allow for the transfer of materials like sweat and oxygen into and
out of the body. Oil glands, located within the pores, secrete sebum.
Dust, pollution, free radicals, wind and sun are a constant source of
irritants and debris that can stick to the oil or sebum on our skin.
Since our skin grows from the inside to the outside, dead cells, though
they act as protection from the sun, come to rest upon the surface too.

I
like to compare the surface of our face to your stovetop. When you cook
with oil and it spatters onto your stovetop, the surface becomes sticky
and other matter - like dust - will cling to it. It works the same way
with your face. Matter, including dirt, dust and dead skin cells, stick
to your sebum, blocking the exit of your pore. The result is dull skin,
or eventually a blackhead or pimple (pustule).

However, when you
have a professional facial - that is, one performed by a licensed
aesthetician - the dead skin cells, dirt, and debris may be removed.
What's left is cleaner, shinier, healthier, newer skin that is able to
breathe and do what skin is meant to do. The added bonus is a tremendous
sense of well being and relaxation.

How often should you have a
facial? Generally, every 8 - 10 weeks; however, you can certainly have
them closer together, especially when working on a particular concern
like acne, aging or sun damage. At the very least, it's good to try and
have a facial once per season.

In conclusion, the answer to "Why
Do I Need A Facial" is that generally, we aren't able to cleanse and
exfoliate our skin the way that a professional aesthetician can, and the
benefits are both tangible and esoteric.

Monday, October 10, 2016

36 Oaks Country Retreat, nestled in a grove of majestic oak trees on Gibson Canyon Road, is an oasis of relaxation and natural beauty in the Vacaville countryside. A lovely country cottage setting on two and a half acres with wild ferns growing in the shade, deer wandering through, and even an occasional fox or raccoon.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Are you pregnant? Are you stressed, cramped up or sleep-deprived?
A pregnancy massage may be what you need. While almost everyone enjoys
the relaxation of a good massage, during pregnancy the benefits are even
greater.

Before you make your appointment, make sure you take care of safety first:

Precautions:

*
Find a massage therapist that is specially trained and certified in
pregnancy massage. They will be aware of all the following safety
factors, but you should know them as well:

* If you are at risk of
preterm labor, or have a blood clotting disorder, then do not attempt
massage without first consulting your doctor. Some therapists may
require doctor approval from all pregnant clients.

* Avoid
massages during the first trimester of your pregnancy: The increased
blood circulation during this time may cause to become dizzy, and may
increase morning sickness.
* Make sure you are placed in a semi-reclining position, or lie on your side with lots of pillows for support.

*
Do not allow excessive pressure on your ankles or the webbing between
your thumb and index finger: these areas can induce early labor when
sustained pressure is applied to them.
Once all the safety issues
are taken care of, relax and enjoy! Most pregnancy massages are
perfectly safe and will benefit both yourself and the growing child.
Most importantly, they help you relax and will lower your stress level.
That alone may alleviate many other discomforts. They may also:

Benefits:

* increase blood circulation,

* lower your heart rate,

* relieve muscle cramps and spasms,

* reduce lower back and neck pain,

* reduce swelling in hands and ankles

* provide a less painful and easier delivery!

When
you go to your appointment, consider taking your partner with you. By
learning what comforts you, they can help you relax via massage
throughout your pregnancy and during labour. Make sure the therapist
highlights all safety concerns to your partner and teaches them safe
massage techniques.

So contact a qualified massage therapist
today, and make that appointment that will help you relax and better
enjoy this wonderful time of your life.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

As kids now spend more time with entertainment media, they're getting less and less time outdoors, despite the mental and physical health benefits. Ben Klasky, CEO of IslandWood, a 255-acre outdoor learning center, proposes a free and natural remedy to the physical problems kids face: the Great Outdoors.

About 36 Oaks. . .

36 Oaks Country Retreat is nestled in a grove of majestic oak trees on Gibson Canyon Road just a couple of minutes from downtown Vacaville, CA.

A lovely country cottage setting on two and half acres, with wild ferns growing in the shade. It is not uncommon to see deer wandering through, and an occasional raccoon or even a fox.

The name, 36 Oaks, came from an actual counting of the oak trees twenty years ago. Visiting the retreat with it's private patios, flowers, and cozy sitting areas, is a healing experience in itself, inviting you to get back in touch with nature.